CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound the body makes naturally and uses to produce cellular energy, and in New Zealand it is commonly taken as a supplement for heart health, energy and as a companion to cholesterol-lowering medicines.
The main types are ubiquinone (the standard, oxidised form, also labelled ubidecarenone), ubiquinol (the reduced form), CoQ10 with absorption aids (such as BioPerine, fish oil or flaxseed oil), and CoQ10 combination formulas (such as CoQ10 with PQQ or vitamin D).
A 2018 meta-analysis of 12 randomised trials (575 people) found CoQ10 eased statin-related muscle symptoms, but smaller later reviews were mixed, so the evidence is promising rather than settled. The things that matter when comparing products are the form, the dose per capsule, the oil base or absorption aids, clear labelling and any interaction warnings.
This guide compares 10 CoQ10 supplements sold in NZ, covering ubiquinone, ubiquinol, absorption-boosted, plant-based and PQQ formulas.
Quick Comparison
| Pick | Best for | Form | Pack size | Key dose per serve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good Health CoQ10 400mg Complex | Absorption-focused high dose | Capsule (ubiquinone) | 60 capsules | 400mg CoQ10 + BioPerine |
| GO Healthy GO CO-Q10 450mg BioActive 1-A-Day | High dose plus omega-3 | Softgel | 60 softgels | 450mg CoQ10 + 656mg omega-3 |
| Herbs of Gold Ubiquinol 150mg | Anyone who wants ubiquinol | Capsule (ubiquinol) | 30 capsules | 150mg ubiquinol |
| Blackmores Super Strength CoQ10 300mg | Simple high-strength CoQ10 | Capsule (ubiquinone) | 60 capsules | 300mg CoQ10 |
| Nutra-Life CoQ10 300mg | NZ brand, oil-based dose | Capsule (ubiquinone, oil base) | 60 capsules | 300mg CoQ10 |
| Clinicians Coenzyme Q10 200mg | Moderate everyday dose | Softgel (ubiquinone) | 60 capsules | 200mg CoQ10 |
| BePure CoQ10 | Vegetarians and vegans | Capsule (ubiquinone) | 30 capsules | 200mg CoQ10 |
| Oxyenergy CoQ-10 200mg with PQQ 20mg | CoQ10 plus PQQ | Softgel | 30 softgels | 200mg CoQ10 + 20mg PQQ |
| Clinicians Coenzyme Q10 400mg | Statin-marketed high dose | Capsule (ubiquinone, soy oil) | 60 capsules | 400mg CoQ10 |
| GO Healthy GO CO-Q10 400mg 1-A-Day | Fish-free high dose | Softgel (flaxseed oil base) | 60 softgels | 400mg CoQ10 |
The Picks
1. Good Health CoQ10 400mg Complex – Best Overall
Good Health CoQ10 400mg Complex is a one-a-day capsule from a New Zealand brand, sold in a 60 capsule bottle. The CoQ10 is the standard oxidised form (ubidecarenone, also called ubiquinone), marketed as naturally fermented.
Each capsule lists 400mg ubidecarenone, 733mg natural fish oil, 25mcg (1000IU) vitamin D3 and 5mg BioPerine black pepper extract. The fish oil and BioPerine are there to help the fat-soluble CoQ10 absorb, which is a brand claim rather than something proven for this exact capsule.
It suits adults who want a high-strength, absorption-focused formula and are happy to take CoQ10 with a meal. The brand positions it for people who take cholesterol-lowering or other medicines that may lower CoQ10 levels, though the clinical evidence for that is mixed.
The directions are one capsule daily with food or as professionally prescribed. It contains fish oil so is not vegetarian, it is not intended for pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it should not be taken with warfarin or prescription blood thinners without medical advice.
Pros
- Absorption aids built into the capsule
- Clear, full label with every active listed
- High 400mg strength in one capsule
Cons
- Contains fish oil, so not vegetarian
- Adds vitamin D3 you may not need
- 400mg is more than many people require
Key specs: 60 capsules | Capsule, ubiquinone | 400mg CoQ10, 733mg fish oil, 25mcg vitamin D3, 5mg BioPerine
2. GO Healthy GO CO-Q10 450mg BioActive 1-A-Day – Best High-Dose Formula
GO Healthy GO CO-Q10 450mg BioActive is a one-a-day softgel made in New Zealand from selected imported ingredients, sold as a 60 capsule bottle. The CoQ10 is naturally fermented, and the label lists it simply as coenzyme Q10.
Each softgel provides 450mg CoQ10, 5.26mg BioPerine (equivalent to 5mg piperine), 1,093mg concentrated fish oil supplying 656mg omega-3 (394mg EPA, 262mg DHA) and 1,000IU vitamin D3.
This is the strongest formula in the lineup, aimed at adults who want a combined CoQ10 and omega-3 softgel for heart health and energy. The brand says it supports people on cholesterol medication, but anyone on prescription medicine should check with a pharmacist first.
Take one softgel daily with food. The label says not to use it in pregnancy or lactation and not to take it with blood-thinning medication without medical advice. It is vanilla flavoured and contains fish oil.
Pros
- Highest CoQ10 dose here at 450mg
- Adds EPA and DHA omega-3
- One softgel a day
Cons
- Not suitable for vegetarians
- Higher dose than most people need
- Multi-ingredient, so harder to tell what helps
Key specs: 60 softgels | Softgel | 450mg CoQ10, 656mg omega-3, 5mg piperine, 1,000IU D3
3. Herbs of Gold Ubiquinol 150mg – Best Ubiquinol
Herbs of Gold Ubiquinol 150mg is a 30 capsule bottle of ubiquinol, the reduced form of CoQ10. Ubiquinol is the form ubiquinone is converted to in the body, so this is the pick for anyone who specifically wants that form.
The label lists Ubiquinol-10 (Kaneka QH ubiquinol) 150mg per capsule and no other actives. Kaneka is a well-known maker of this raw material, so the ingredient is traceable.
It suits people who prefer ubiquinol, including older adults who like the idea of a pre-reduced form. Whether ubiquinol absorbs better than ubiquinone is still debated, and the oil it is carried in may matter as much as the form.
Dosing directions were not shown on the product page, so follow the label on the bottle or ask a pharmacist. As with all CoQ10, check with your pharmacist or doctor first if you take warfarin or other blood thinners.
Pros
- True ubiquinol form, ingredient named on label
- Simple single-ingredient formula
- Established Australian herbal brand
Cons
- Fewer capsules per bottle at this strength
- Ubiquinol advantage is not firmly proven
- Dosing directions not shown online
Key specs: 30 capsules | Capsule, ubiquinol | 150mg ubiquinol-10 per capsule
4. Blackmores Super Strength CoQ10 300mg – Best Simple 300mg Capsule
Blackmores Super Strength CoQ10 300mg is a 60 capsule bottle from a widely trusted Australian brand. It is a single-ingredient, one-a-day capsule of standard ubidecarenone (ubiquinone).
The label lists 300mg ubidecarenone (coenzyme Q10) per capsule and no other actives.
It suits adults who want a plain, high-strength CoQ10 from a familiar name without added fish oil or extras. A single capsule a day makes it easy to stick with over the weeks CoQ10 usually needs.
Directions are one capsule a day with meals, as professionally prescribed. Taking it with a fat-containing meal helps absorption, and it is only for under-18s if a professional prescribes it.
Pros
- Single, clear ingredient
- Trusted, widely stocked brand
- 60 capsules, one a day
Cons
- No absorption aids added
- Plain label, little detail online
- No extras beyond the CoQ10
Key specs: 60 capsules | Capsule, ubiquinone | 300mg ubidecarenone per capsule
5. Nutra-Life CoQ10 300mg – Best Oil-Based 300mg
Nutra-Life CoQ10 300mg is a 60 capsule bottle from a New Zealand brand, described as double strength compared with the brand’s own CoQ Max 150mg. The CoQ10 is ubidecarenone in an oil base.
Each capsule provides 300mg of ubidecarenone (coenzyme Q10), formulated in an oil base to help absorption, with encapsulating aids and colours.
It suits adults who want a straightforward 300mg dose from a familiar NZ brand. The oil base is a sensible choice for a fat-soluble nutrient.
Take one capsule daily with food or as directed by a healthcare professional. The label warns not to take it while on warfarin therapy without medical advice.
Pros
- Oil base to aid absorption
- Familiar New Zealand brand
- One capsule a day
Cons
- Contains added colours
- No extra absorption aids
- Plain 300mg with no extras
Key specs: 60 capsules | Capsule, ubiquinone in oil | 300mg ubidecarenone per capsule
6. Clinicians Coenzyme Q10 200mg – Best Moderate Dose
Clinicians Coenzyme Q10 200mg is a 60 softgel capsule bottle. The label calls the CoQ10 natural ubiquinone, and it is carried in medium chain triglycerides and yellow beeswax.
Each gelatin capsule contains 200mg natural coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone). There is no added sugar, artificial colours, sweeteners, flavours or preservatives.
It suits adults who want a moderate dose rather than the 300mg-plus options. It is a reasonable starting point before stepping up to a higher strength.
Take one capsule daily or as directed. The label advises checking with a healthcare professional if pregnant or breastfeeding and not taking it with warfarin or blood-thinning medication without medical advice. The capsule uses gelatin and beeswax, so it is not vegetarian.
Pros
- Moderate 200mg dose
- Oil-based carrier (MCT)
- No artificial colours or sweeteners
Cons
- Gelatin and beeswax, not vegetarian
- Lower dose than some competitors
- Few extras beyond the CoQ10
Key specs: 60 softgel capsules | Softgel, ubiquinone | 200mg CoQ10 per capsule
7. BePure CoQ10 – Best Plant-Based Capsule
BePure CoQ10 is a 30 capsule bottle in a plant-based (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsule. The CoQ10 is ubiquinone, naturally fermented in Japan, and the brand says each batch is tested to be BSCG Certified Drug-Free.
Each capsule contains 200mg CoQ10 ubiquinone with 200mg magnesium phosphate and 100mg potassium phosphate.
It suits vegetarians and vegans who want a plant-based capsule, and active adults who like to take CoQ10 before training. The brand advises taking it on an empty stomach, which is the opposite of the with-food advice on most other CoQ10 products, so follow the label you hold.
Take one capsule daily. The product page advises avoiding it with warfarin or other blood thinners. Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble and usually advised with food, check the directions with your pharmacist if unsure.
Pros
- Plant-based capsule
- Naturally fermented ubiquinone
- Third-party drug-free batch testing claimed
Cons
- Only 30 capsules per bottle
- Added magnesium and potassium phosphates
- Empty-stomach advice differs from most CoQ10 products
Key specs: 30 capsules | Vegetable capsule, ubiquinone | 200mg CoQ10, 200mg magnesium phosphate, 100mg potassium phosphate
8. Oxyenergy CoQ-10 200mg with PQQ 20mg – Best With PQQ
Oxyenergy CoQ-10 with PQQ is a 30 softgel capsule bottle made in New Zealand. It pairs coenzyme Q10 with PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone), a compound sold for mitochondrial and cognitive support.
The product is labelled 200mg CoQ10 with 20mg PQQ per softgel. PQQ is marketed for brain and cellular energy support, but the human evidence for it is much thinner than for CoQ10.
It suits adults who specifically want a CoQ10 and PQQ combination for energy and general vitality. The doses here come from the product name and pack, as the product page text was largely marketing copy.
Take one softgel daily with a meal. If you take blood-thinning or other regular medicines, ask a pharmacist before adding it.
Pros
- CoQ10 plus PQQ in one softgel
- Made in New Zealand
- Easy-to-swallow softgel
Cons
- PQQ evidence is limited
- 30 softgels per bottle
- Product text is mostly marketing language
Key specs: 30 softgels | Softgel | 200mg CoQ10 + 20mg PQQ
9. Clinicians Coenzyme Q10 400mg – Best Double Strength
Clinicians Coenzyme Q10 400mg Double Strength is a 60 capsule bottle of ubidecarenone (ubiquinone) in soy bean oil, one capsule a day.
Each gelatin capsule contains 400mg coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone), with soy bean oil and glycerol. The soy oil is there to support bioavailability, according to the brand.
The brand pitches it at adults on cholesterol-lowering medication, and for daily energy and gum health. Evidence that CoQ10 eases statin muscle symptoms is mixed, so treat it as something to try, not a guaranteed fix.
Take one capsule daily. People with a soy allergy should avoid it, and it is not vegetarian because the capsule is gelatin. Check with a pharmacist if you take warfarin or other regular medicines.
Pros
- Double-strength 400mg in one capsule
- Soy oil carrier for absorption
- Simple short ingredient list
Cons
- Gelatin capsule, not vegetarian
- Contains soy
- Higher dose than most people need
Key specs: 60 capsules | Capsule, ubiquinone in soy oil | 400mg ubidecarenone per capsule
10. GO Healthy GO CO-Q10 400mg 1-A-Day – Best Flaxseed Oil Blend
GO Healthy GO CO-Q10 400mg 1-A-Day is a 60 softgel bottle made in New Zealand from selected imported ingredients. It is the fish-free alternative to the brand’s 450mg BioActive formula.
Each softgel provides 400mg CoQ10, 1,000mg flaxseed oil and 1,000IU vitamin D3. The brand says the New Zealand organic flaxseed oil helps absorption of the CoQ10 and adds plant-based essential fatty acids.
It suits adults who want a high-strength CoQ10 and avoid fish oil. The brand also positions it for people on cholesterol medication, though it is wise to check with a pharmacist if you take any prescription medicine.
Take one softgel daily with food. The label says not to take it in pregnancy or lactation and not with blood-thinning medication without medical advice.
Pros
- Fish-free oil base
- Includes vitamin D3 1,000IU
- One softgel a day
Cons
- No BioPerine absorption aid
- Adds vitamin D you may not need
- Large 400mg dose
Key specs: 60 softgels | Softgel, CoQ10 in flaxseed oil | 400mg CoQ10, 1,000mg flaxseed oil, 1,000IU vitamin D3
How to Choose
Start with the form and the dose. Ubiquinone is the standard form and the most common in NZ; ubiquinol is the reduced form. Studies disagree on whether ubiquinol absorbs better, and the oil or carrier in the capsule may matter as much as the form. Doses on the shelf run from about 150mg to 450mg a day, and many people do not need the highest strength.
Take it with a meal that contains some fat. CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so oil-based softgels and products with added fish oil, flaxseed oil or BioPerine are designed to help absorption. These aids are a brand claim for each specific product, so treat them as a possible bonus rather than a guarantee.
Be careful if you take warfarin or other blood thinners, or blood pressure medicines, and talk to a professional if pregnant or breastfeeding. Several labels in this guide carry a warfarin warning, and the German BfR advises medical advice before taking more than 100mg a day alongside coumarin-type anticoagulants. If you take a statin, CoQ10 is widely marketed for you, but the evidence for muscle symptoms is mixed, so talk to your pharmacist or doctor first.
Check the label quality: the CoQ10 form named, the dose per capsule, the full list of other ingredients (fish oil, soy, gelatin) and any allergen or vegetarian suitability. Vegetarians should look for a plant-based capsule and avoid fish-oil blends.
Give it time. CoQ10 does not work like a stimulant, and most people judge it after several weeks of daily use. Liver enzyme elevations have been seen in some people at 300mg a day or more, and rare side effects include dizziness, headache and heartburn, so stop and speak to a health professional if you notice anything unusual.
Verdict
For most NZ shoppers the Good Health CoQ10 400mg Complex is the best all-round pick thanks to its full label and absorption aids. Choose Herbs of Gold Ubiquinol 150mg if you specifically want ubiquinol, BePure CoQ10 for a plant-based capsule, or Blackmores Super Strength CoQ10 300mg for a simple, single-ingredient dose. Oxyenergy CoQ-10 with PQQ suits anyone who wants the PQQ combination.
Also worth reading: our guides to fish oil supplements, omega-3 supplements and magnesium supplements.
FAQs
What is the best CoQ10 supplement in NZ?
There is no single best product for everyone. For most people a 200mg to 400mg ubiquinone capsule taken with food is enough, and formulas with an oil base or absorption aids such as Good Health CoQ10 400mg Complex are a sensible choice. Pick by form, dose and label clarity.
What is the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol?
They are two forms of the same compound: ubiquinone is the oxidised form and ubiquinol the reduced form, and the body converts between them. Marketing often claims ubiquinol absorbs better, but reviews note the evidence is contested and that the oil carrier in the capsule may matter as much.
How much CoQ10 should I take a day?
Most NZ capsules are one a day at 150mg to 450mg, so follow the label and take it with food. Intakes up to 1200mg a day have been tolerated in studies, but liver enzyme rises have been seen at 300mg or more in some people.
Can I take CoQ10 with a statin?
CoQ10 is widely marketed to people on statins, and a 2018 meta-analysis of 12 trials found it eased muscle symptoms, though smaller later reviews were mixed. It is not a replacement for medical advice, so check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
Is CoQ10 safe with warfarin?
Several NZ labels warn not to take CoQ10 with warfarin without medical advice. The German BfR also advises seeking advice before taking more than 100mg a day alongside coumarin-type anticoagulants. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.
How long does CoQ10 take to work?
CoQ10 builds up over time rather than acting like a stimulant, so most people judge it after several weeks of daily use. Evidence for benefit varies by reason for use, so set a review date and check progress with a health professional.
